That's why when he moved from Cairo, Georgia, to Tallahassee in 1986 to take over his father-in-law's business, the local outdoor market "Tomato Land," he had to bring this slice of Southern culture with him.

"Boiled peanuts have always been a tradition in the South," said Reagan. "Most people have had them growing up in this part of the country."

Walking under a large tomato that reads "Tomato Land" and zig-zagging through the produce section of the market, customers end up at the peanut-making station. The smell of boiled peanuts and salt accompanies the crunch of stray hulls on the ground.

The evergreen shack houses a large pot that is halfway full of water, salt and, of course, peanuts — the key ingredients to making the snack. With these ingredients on hand, Reagan says almost anyone can make their own boiled peanuts.

"It's not too complicated at all," said Reagan. "You put them in a pot, add water and salt in there and boil them."

Tomato Land has seen its fair share of first-time boiled peanut eaters. Reagan said the taste of the snack depends on the person — some say it's the best food they've ever tried and others say it's not their cup of tea.

"People from up north or out west aren't too familiar with them, and they don't normally like them," said Reagan.

The market goes through 80 to 100 bushels — one bushel is around 33 pounds — of peanuts during growing season. Peanut season typically lasts from the end of April until October, which Reagan points out fits perfectly with the 'Noles football season.

"I sell quite a bit of them during football season through roadside vendors," Reagan said. "I imagine we sell more during that time than any other."

All of the peanuts are from Sieler Farms in Ocala. Reagan typically purchases Valencia and Virginia peanuts from the farm— although Tomato Land only boils Valencia peanuts. Valencias have three small kernels in a pod, are covered in bright red skin and typically boil easier.

Tomato Land can boil up to two bushels at one time in 80 quarts of water. The market boils them at 350 to 400 degrees for an hour. The longer the peanuts sit in the water, the saltier they get.

Michael Platt, a Tomato Land stock employee, is in charge of boiling the peanuts every morning. Born and raised in the South, Platt has been eating boiled peanuts his entire life.

"The only way I know how to eat peanuts is boiled," said Michael Platt. "Once you've tried them you'll never go back."

Even though anyone who has access to a pot and peanuts can make the snack, Platt points out what makes Tallahasseeans come back for Tomato Lands boiled peanuts.

"What makes our roasted peanuts what they are is the atmosphere here," said Platt. "This market is like the country life and Butch is one cool cat."

Tomato Lands peanut prices are $3 for a pint, $5 for a quart and $20 for a gallon. Reagan says they typically are bought by the gallon.

Peanuts aren't the only item that locals go to Tomato Land for. The market is stocked with fruits, vegetables and jarred products. There's also a wide-variety of meals that make it a popular place for lunchtime. Customers have choices from buttermilk pie all the way to potato salad and steak sandwiches. All of the food is purchased from local growers.

"It's not a bad way to make a living," said Regan. " It's a lot of labor, but it's a lot of fun. And I feel supported by the community."